Feed metering device

RELATED APPLICATION

0001This is a division of U.S. Application Ser. No. 09/828,911, filed Apr. 10, 2001, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,584 B2, on Nov. 25, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002The present invention relates to a feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink, or both, in metered portions to an animal. Such a feed unit may include a manger or feeding trough, or both, or a unit provided with a nipple such as may be provided for calves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0003Such a feed metering device is known from European Patent Application 0610171 A2, of Vogl, published Aug. 10, 1994. By means of a control unit the closing means of this known feed metering device is actively retained in the position in which it closes the manger or feeding trough.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0004It is one of the objectives of the present invention to provide an alternatively feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink, or both, in metered portions to an animal, which device, on the one hand, deters in a constructively simple efficient and inexpensive manner animals that are not eligible for being fed from putting their heads into the feed unit, and, on the other hand, offers additional advantages.

0005For this purpose, in accordance with the invention, a metering device of the above described type is characterized by the closing means rotating about an axis, such rotation being driven by a roll in contact with the closing means which roll is driven by a motor.

0006The feed metering device preferably includes an animal identification device, the roll being controlled with the aid of data from the animal identification device.

0007In an embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention, a compact construction is provided when the roll is located below the entrance opening. Preferably a housing in which the roll is mounted is disposed at such location.

0008The closing means may be formed by a separate component, but is preferably constituted by the feed unit itself, which is designed as a movable one. As a result the number of components is limited and the feed metering device can be manufactured economically.

0009In order to prevent fodder or drink, or both, from falling from the feed unit in certain positions of the feed unit, the latter comprises a well portion for catching fodder or drink, or both, remaining in the feed unit. Said wall portion can also act as a feed guide means for fodder or drink, or both, that is supplied by the feed supplying device to the feed unit.

0010An enduring and firm construction is provided when the feed unit bears on the housing via the roll.

0011The motor is preferably included in such housing, so that a compact construction is obtained. The housing also serves to protect the motor against contamination, damage and the like.

0012A quick and accurate identification of animals is obtained when the animal identification device is included in the housing, the animal identification device then also being guarded against contamination, damage and the like.

0013The feed metering device preferably comprises further deterring means for deterring an animal, which includes a loudspeaker for producing an animal-frightening sound. Certain animals have appeared to be highly sensitive to certain sounds, so that a loudspeaker is appropriate for deterring such animals. Moreover, such a loudspeaker may be used for producing calming or stimulating sounds when an animal uses the feed metering device correctly.

0014Alternatively or additionally, the further deterring means may include means for generating an animal-frightening light. In particular when a plurality of feed metering devices are disposed side by side, the use of a frightening light is desirable, as this light can be directed in such a manner that its effect is limited to one particular feed metering device.

0015The further deterring means may include a voltage emitting device for emitting an animal-frightening electric voltage. Sound and light have proved to be effective for deterring unwanted animals, but have the disadvantage of being sometimes discernible at a greater distance than necessary and for their purposes from the relevant feed metering device. Animals that undesirably visit a feed metering device often make contact with the feed metering device, usually with their noses. By linking the components likely to be touched the animals with a voltage emitting device it is possible to deter undesired animals. Alternatively, a forced air flow may be used for deterring the animal.

0016A preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention is characterized in that the feed metering device is provided with means for weighing the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, which weighing means relates to improvement of the feed unit in a pivoting, rotating manner. Thus it is possible to determine how much fodder or drink, or both, is consumed by a particular animal. On the basis thereof the amount of fodder or drink, or both, consumed by an animal can be determined over the course of time whereupon the health condition of an animal can be deduced; for, when an animal unexpectedly consumes smaller amounts of fodder or drink, or both, this may be a sign that the animal is ill. Moreover, it is undesirable when an animal leaves a certain amount of fodder or drink, or both, that such leftover fodder or drink, or both, supplied to the next animal at the feed unit is not taken into account. The means for weighing the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit is thus preferably linked with the feed supplying device for supplying an amount of fodder or drink, or both, to the relevant feed unit with the aid of data both from the animal identification device and the weighing means.

0017The means for weighing the fodder or drink present, or both, in the feed unit may comprise a feed unit which is pivotable about a hinge pin, the degree of pivoting being determined by the weight of the fodder or drink present in the feed unit, and a device for determining the degree of pivoting, that is the angular movement of the feed unit and for deducing, from the degree as determined, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit. The degree of pivoting of the feed unit depends on the amount of fodder or drink, or both, in the feed unit. The more fodder or drink, or both, the greater the degree of pivoting. The exact correlation between the degree of pivoting and the amount of fodder or drink, or both, can previously have been determined by means of simple calibration tests.

0018A compact construction of the feed metering device is obtained when the device for determining the degree of pivoting of the feed unit and for deducing from such degree of angular displacement, the weight of the amount fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, is integrated in the animal identification device.

0019When the device for determining the degree of pivoting of the feed unit and for deducing, from the degree as so determined, the weight of the amount of fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit comprises a measuring roll which is in contact with the feed unit, it is possible to determine from the degree of rotation of a roll, the degree of pivoting and thus the amount of fodder or drink, or both, is in the feed unit.

0020Alternatively or additionally, the device for determining the degree of pivoting of the feed unit and for deducing, from the degree as so determined, the weight of the amount of fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, may comprise a load sensor, the feed unit bearing on the load sensor. The load sensor is preferably included in the animal identification device.

0021In order to be able to measure even a small difference in weight, in a preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention, the hinge pin and the load sensor and the measuring roll, respectively, are located so as to be closely proximate each other.

0022In order to prevent for example the load sensor from being damaged in the undesired event of a defect, there is provided a safety supporting bracket from the feed unit.

0023A preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention is characterized in that the means for weighing the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit comprises a movable feed unit, a motor for moving the feed unit, a device for measuring the magnitude of the torque during movement, and for deducing, from the magnitude of the torque measured, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit. The magnitude of the torque generated by the movement of the feed unit depends on the amount of fodder or drink, or both, in feed unit. Also in this situation, the exact correlation between torque and amount of fodder or drink, or both, in the feed unit can previously be determined by means of simple calibration tests.

0024A compact feed metering device is obtained when the motor for moving the feed unit and the device for measuring the magnitude of the torque during movement and for deducing, from the magnitude of the torque measured, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, are integrated with the animal identification device.

0025A mechanically simple but accurate construction is obtained when the motor for moving the feed unit drives a torque roll, said torque roll being in contact with the feed unit.

0026According to the invention, the means for deterring an unwanted animal and the means for measuring the amount of fodder or drink, or both, in the feed unit can be combined in one means, in that the roll for driving the feed unit as a closing means and as the torque roll used for measuring the torque are the same roll.

0027In order to be able accurately to perform animal identification and to obtain at the same time a compact construction, a feed metering unit according to the present invention is characterized in that the animal identification device is disposed in a location below the entrance opening, including the vicinity thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0028The invention will be explained hereinafter in further detail with reference, by way of example, to the drawings in which:

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> which shows a second embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> which shows a third embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>2</b> and <b>3</b> which shows a fourth embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention; and

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 through 4</figref> which shows a fifth embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows schematically a first embodiment of a feed metering device I according to the invention. Feed metering device <b>1</b> distributes fodder or drink, or both, which for the sake of simplicity will hereinafter be denoted as “feed,” by which is meant fodder or drink, or both, in metered portions to an animal, and is provided with a feed unit <b>10</b>, also called a manger or feeding trough, for containing feed. An entrance opening <b>11</b> makes feed unit <b>10</b> accessible to an animal, for example but not exclusively, a cow. An animal identification device <b>12</b>, known per se, recognizes a particular animal that approaches the feed unit <b>10</b> and wishes to use it. The animal identification device <b>12</b> is preferably disposed in feed metering device <b>1</b>, but may alternatively also be disposed at a distance therefrom. A feed supplying device <b>13</b> supplies an amount of feed to the feed unit <b>10</b>, possibly with the aid of data from the animal identification device <b>12</b>, feed from a non-shown feed stock entering the feed unit <b>10</b> via a valve provided for such purpose and a chute <b>14</b>.

0035Thus it is possible for the feed metering device <b>1</b> to recognize a particular cow by means of a transponder fitted to or on the cow. Feed supplying device <b>13</b> is controlled in a manner well known in the art which is controlled by software that ensures that the right amount of feed is distributed to the relevant cow.

0036The feed metering device <b>1</b> according to the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may be provided with a closing means as illustrated in FIG. <b>2</b>. Feed metering device <b>1</b> may additionally be provided, on a closing means, with deterring means <b>15</b> or <b>16</b> for deterring an animal that visits the feed unit at an undesired point of time and wishes to use it. The deterring means are preferably controlled with the aid of data from the animal identification device. This provides an additional manner to deter animals that are not then eligible for being fed, in a simple, efficient and inexpensive way, from putting their heads into the feed unit.

0037In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the deterring means includes a loudspeaker <b>16</b> for producing an animal-frightening sound. Alternatively or additionally, the further deterring means may include a lighting device <b>15</b> for emitting an animal-frightening light. In particular when a plurality of feed metering devices are disposed side-by-side, the use of a frightening light may be desirable inasmuch as this light can be directed in such a manner so its effect is limited to one particular feed metering device.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows schematically an embodiment of a feed metering device <b>2</b> according to the invention. In this embodiment the closing means <b>25</b> is constituted by a separate vessel-like element which is capable of rotating about an axle <b>26</b> and is movable across entrance opening <b>21</b>. When closing means <b>25</b> is moved across entrance opening <b>21</b>, the contents of the feed unit <b>20</b> can be made inaccessible to a particular animal.

0039Additionally, there may be provided further deterring means in the form of a voltage emitting device <b>27</b> for emitting an animal-frightening electric voltage to closing means <b>25</b>. Animals that undesirably approach the feed metering device <b>2</b> often contact feed metering device <b>2</b>. In particular they will touch closing means <b>25</b> with their noses. By linking voltage emitting device <b>27</b> with those components of the feed metering device that are likely to be touched by the animals, it is possible locally to deter a particular animal as an additional measure. This second embodiment of a feed metering device <b>2</b> according to the invention also comprises a feed supplying device <b>23</b> and a chute <b>24</b> for the feed.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows schematically a third embodiment of a feed metering device <b>3</b> according to the invention. In this embodiment the closing means is constituted by the feed unit <b>30</b> itself, which is designed to be movable. In the embodiment shown feed unit <b>30</b> is rotatably disposed about an axis <b>36</b>. In order to prevent, in the position in which the feed unit <b>30</b> closes the entrance opening <b>31</b>, feed from falling from feed unit <b>30</b>, feed unit <b>30</b> comprises a wall portion <b>35</b> for catching remaining feed. Said wall portion <b>35</b> can also act as a feed guide means for feed that is supplied to feed unit <b>30</b> via chute <b>34</b> of feed supplying device <b>33</b>.

0041For the purpose of providing, a simple reliable and compact construction, according to the invention a roller <b>29</b> or <b>39</b> is driven by a motor <b>28</b> or <b>38</b>, respectively, which roller <b>29</b> or <b>39</b>, contacts the closing means <b>25</b> or <b>30</b> respectively. Preferably feed unit <b>30</b> thus bears on the animal identification device <b>32</b> via roll <b>39</b>. Roll <b>39</b> is also preferably driven by a motor such as motor <b>28</b> or motor <b>38</b>.

0042An extremely compact construction is obtained when motor <b>28</b>, motor <b>38</b> and roll <b>29</b> or roll <b>39</b>, respectively, are included in a housing B or C, respectively, which is disposed below the entrance opening or in the vicinity thereof. Preferably the housing also contains the relevant animal identification devices <b>22</b> or <b>32</b>, respectively.

0043According to the invention, the feed metering device may be provided with means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit, which means moves the feed unit in a pivoting, rotating manner. With the aid of said means it is possible to determine how much feed is consumed by a particular animal, and at the same time whether remaining feed is present in the feed unit. The means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit is preferably connected to the feed supplying device for supplying an amount of feed to the feed unit with the aid of data both from the animal identification device and the weighing means, so that the amount of feed left by the previous animal can be taken into account.

0044In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, means for weighing the feed present in feed unit <b>10</b> comprises a feed unit <b>10</b> which is pivotable about a hinge pin <b>17</b>. The degree of pivoting is determined by the weight of feed present in feed unit <b>10</b>. A device <b>18</b> is provided for determining the degree of pivoting of feed unit <b>10</b> for deducing therefrom the weight of feed present in feed unit <b>10</b>. Device <b>18</b> for determining the degree of gravity of feed unit <b>10</b> comprises a measuring roll <b>19</b> which is in contact with the feed unit. From the degree of rotation of roll <b>19</b> the degree of pivoting and thus the amount of feed in feed unit <b>10</b> can be determined.

0045Due to the fact that device <b>18</b> and roll <b>19</b> for determining the degree of pivoting of feed unit <b>10</b> are integrated in housing A, in animal identification device <b>12</b>, a compact construction of the feed metering device is obtained. Alternatively, device <b>18</b> and roll <b>19</b> may be located outside housing A.

0046As shown in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, device <b>201</b> for determining the degree of pivoting of feed unit <b>20</b> and for deducing therefrom the weight of the feed present in feed unit <b>20</b> may alternatively or additionally comprise a load sensor <b>202</b>. In the embodiment shown feed unit <b>20</b> bears on load sensor <b>202</b> via a supporting arm <b>203</b>, while the feed unit <b>20</b> pivots about a hinge pin <b>204</b>. Load sensor <b>202</b> is preferably included in housing B.

0047In the embodiments shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, even small differences in weight can be measured due to the fact that the hinge pins <b>17</b> and <b>204</b> and measuring rolls <b>19</b> and <b>29</b>, respectively, as well as load sensor <b>202</b>, are located small distances from each other.

0048In order to prevent the measuring roll, the load sensor or similar component from being damaged when, for example, the animal pushes the manger downwardly with force there may be provided in both embodiments safety supporting brackets <b>101</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) or <b>205</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) respectively, for supporting feed units <b>10</b> or <b>20</b>, respectively.

0049In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit comprises a movable feed unit <b>30</b>. Feed unit <b>30</b> is moved in a reciprocating manner by motor <b>38</b> by which roll <b>39</b> is driven. As a result of this movement a torque occurs, the magnitude of which is determined by a device <b>301</b> for measuring torque magnitude. Device <b>301</b> deduces the weight of the feed present in the feed unit from torque as so determined. The exact correlation between torque and amount of feed can previously be determined by simple calibration tests.

0050The embodiment according to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> has a compact construction due to the fact that motor <b>38</b> for moving feed unit <b>30</b> and device <b>301</b> for measuring torque magnitude during movement and for deducing, from the magnitude of the torque measured, the weight of the feed present in the feed unit <b>30</b>, are integrated in housing C.

0051Although in addition to roll <b>39</b>, a separate torque roll may be provided, roll <b>39</b> preferably functions as a drive of the closing means, in this situation constituted by feed unit <b>30</b> itself, as well as functioning as a torque roll and as a measuring roll.

0052The fourth embodiment of a feed metering device <b>4</b> according to the present embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, comprises means for deterring an animal from using feed unit <b>40</b> before the animal is eligible to use such feed unit. This is accomplished with the aid of data from animal identification device <b>42</b>, as well as means for weighing the feed present in feed-unit <b>40</b>.

0053The closing means <b>46</b>, which is rotatable about an axle <b>45</b>, is set in rotation by a roll <b>47</b> which can come into contact with the closing means <b>46</b>. Roll <b>47</b> is driven by a motor <b>48</b> which is controlled with the aid of data from animal identification device <b>42</b>.

0054In this embodiment the weighing means comprises feed unit <b>40</b> which is rotatable about an axle <b>49</b>. Feed unit <b>40</b> can be brought into contact with roll <b>47</b>, and is subjected to a reciprocating motion by correctly controlling motor <b>48</b> that drives roll <b>47</b>. By movement of feed unit <b>40</b> a torque is generated that can be measured by a torque measuring device <b>401</b>.

0055In the situation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, roll <b>47</b> contacts feed unit <b>40</b> whereupon the latter is set in motion to determine the amount of feed present in feed unit <b>40</b>. After an animal has consumed feed therein, the amount of remaining feed, if any, can be determined by torque measurement. Then roll <b>47</b> is controlled by motor <b>48</b> so that feed unit <b>40</b> is partially located in entrance opening <b>41</b>. A catching element <b>402</b> on feed unit <b>40</b> moves closing means along with it until closing means <b>46</b> contacts roll <b>47</b>. Roll <b>47</b> then controls closing means <b>46</b> so that it covers the entire entrance opening <b>41</b>. As a result of the fact that feed unit <b>40</b> is no longer in contact with roll <b>47</b>, feed unit <b>40</b> falls back to the starting position in which feed, if desired, can be added by the feed supplying device <b>43</b> via a chute <b>44</b>.

0056The fifth embodiment of a feed metering device according to the present invention, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, differs from that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> by the position of the hinge pin <b>59</b> about which feed unit <b>50</b> rotates. The hinge pin <b>59</b> is thus positioned close to roll <b>56</b> for driving feed unit <b>50</b> and measuring the torque, for measuring very small differences in the amount of feed. There is also provided a stop <b>58</b> for preventing superfluous movement of feed unit <b>50</b>. Closing means <b>55</b> for closing entrance opening <b>51</b> pivots about axle <b>57</b>.

0057For the purpose of being able accurately to perform animal identification and to obtain at the same time a compact construction, a feed metering device according to the present invention is characterized in that the animal identification device <b>52</b> is disposed in the housing E which is located below the entrance opening or in the vicinity thereof.

0058Notwithstanding, that the invention has been described on the basis of an animal identification device, which may be provided with weighing means or deterring means, or both, which is stationary in the sense that it is normally fixed in position, it is also possible to dispose the animal identification device or the weighing means or the deterring means on a mobile feed unit.

0059Although I have disclosed the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of other adaptations and modifications within the scope of the following claims.